OLIVER TWIST Directed by Roman Polanski 2005 CHARACTERISATION

OLIVER TWIST Directed by Roman Polanski (2005)

CHARACTERISATION A lot of the names in Oliver Twist are important – especially for the main character. Oliver’s name is randomly given to him by the parish authorities, so his name isn’t actually a reflection of his real character. In fact, it’s actually in contrast to his true character. The names of the minor characters are important too. Mr. Bumble’s name is obvious – he’s a bumbling fool. The irony slices pretty deep with him – we’re not meant to look much beyond the surface of his name, because honestly, there’s not much there. Mrs. Sowerberry is a pun (play on words) for ‘sour berry’, and her demeanour in the film is indeed one which is unpleasant and ‘off’. Other parts to characterisation which Polanski (director) focuses on to make them more rounded are: • Costuming • Physical appearance • Actions • Social status • Habits of characters • Dialogue (what characters say) and accents (how they sound) Can you think of any other ways Polanski develops the characters in the film?

CHARACTERS OLIVER TWIST Oliver Twist was born into the workhouse an illegitimate orphan. Like many other boys, he is slowly starved in the workhouse, poorly treated and often humbled and humiliated. When the boys agree that they should do something about the tiny amount of food they receive, Oliver draws the short straw and has to summon up enough courage to demand more gruel one dinnertime. The outrage of the establishment at this request sends Oliver to work for Mr Sowerberry, the undertaker. The conditions here are no better than where he came from, so Oliver decides to seek his fortune in London. Here, after a perilous journey, he makes the acquaintance of the pickpockets and criminals Artful Dodger, Fagin and Bill Sikes. Winding his way through the underworld, Oliver gains strength in himself. Holding true to the values of honour and duty, he ends up with what he deserves, a family of his own and the company of kind-hearted people.

FAGIN Fagin is a colourful creature of the criminal underworld with his swag and treasure chest and his small army of pickpockets. His role in the novel appears to be to expose the questionable character and the corruption to which poverty can bring a man. Throughout the novel Fagin is constantly referred to as the "Jew" but little else is known about him. Fagin is a mysterious figure in the novel; although he appears to be quite terrifying on first encounter, there is further depth to his character, suggesting a more kindly nature at heart. This can be seen by his almost fatherly attitude towards 'his' boys, and the fact that he feeds and houses them. Fagin remains a compelling but ambiguous character who has been interpreted in many very different ways. Despite being part of a world of criminals, Nancy is a person who cares deeply for those surrounding her, especially Oliver and Bill and, like Oliver, is prepared to put herself at risk for others. Nancy's death in the end is, in a way, the only thing that saves her as it puts an end to continual physical abuse and allows her to escape a society which is constantly condemning her.

MR BROWNLOW Mr Brownlow is the benevolent old gentleman of the story, who takes care of Oliver, giving him kindness and love, the two things which the poor boy has been denied for his entire life. An old friend of Oliver’s parents, he instinctively trusts Oliver and decides to take Oliver into his home and take his part against Bill Sikes and Mr Bumble. Mr Brownlow is a wealthy man, but he has not abused his wealth as some of the other rich characters have done. In comparison to the governors of the workhouse, for example, Brownlow is practically an angel.

BILL SIKES Bill Sikes and his sidekick, Bullseye the dog, are the feared villains of the novel. Bill has a dark, austere appearance and a black heart and cares for no-one and nothing except money and possessions. However, he will look after people if he needs something from them. For example, he ensures Oliver is fed before taking him out thieving. He is violent to Nancy and his strength is terrifying to those around him. His comeuppance is in death, and an un-heroic death at that.

NANCY Nancy is Bill Sikes's partner. Although it is never directly stated in the novel, many critics have suggested that Nancy is a woman of the night, a prostitute. We can guess that she may be in this profession because of her constant references to the fact that her station is unchangeable: a Victorian belief held about women and purity was that if you were taken (lost your virginity) there was no hope for recovery. Society would cast you aside forever. Despite being part of a world of criminals, Nancy is a person who cares deeply for those surrounding her, especially Oliver and Bill and, like Oliver, is prepared to put herself at risk for others. Nancy's death in the end is, in a way, the only thing that saves her as it puts an end to continual physical abuse and allows her to escape a society which is constantly condemning her.

THE ARTFUL DODGER "The Artful Dodger", is the young protégé of Fagin, already fully accustomed to a life of crime, and in training to become the next Bill Sikes. He takes pity on Oliver, although he leads him into a large amount of trouble concerning Mr Brownlow's stolen wallet. A sticky end is in store for him, however, as the police catch him and he winds up in jail, soon to be put on a convict ship headed for Australia.

CHARACTER ROLES Protagonist Oliver Twist Antagonists Fagin, Bill Sikes Guide Mentor Mr. Brownlow Foil The Artful Dodger

REFERENCES References accessed 30/7/2014 http: //www. filmeducation. org/olivertwist/learningresource s/index. html http: //www. shmoop. com/oliver-twist/